Cuttack: Despite several states across the country deciding to reopen schools, new COVID cases and low attendance continue to hinder such efforts, according to media reports.
As per a recent update, 576 students and 829 teachers from schools in Andhra Pradesh, which reopened from November 2, have tested positive for COVID-19.
However, Commissioner of School Education, V Chinna Veerabhadru denied that the reopening of schools was the reason, saying, “…It is not correct to say that they were affected due to their attendance to schools. We ensure that each school room has only 15 or 16 students.”
In Uttarakhand, 84 schools in Pauri district were closed for five days after 80 teachers tested positive.
Uttarakhand Health Secretary Amit Negi said that an SoP issued by the Education Department has directed that teachers from all 13 districts be tested for COVID-19.
Schools in Mizoram fared no better as the schools were shut down following detection of 20 positive cases among students of Classes 10 and 12. Mizoram Education Minister, Lalchhandama Ralte said schools will resume on November 9 only if the situation normalizes.
Assam schools saw low attendance, due to parents not letting their wards attend for fear of the pandemic, said Syed Anisur Rahman, general secretary of Assam Higher Secondary Teachers and Employees’ Association, adding that schools were also unable to follow issued SoPs due to lack of money.